Pets Banned in Every State

Pets Banned in Every State

Exotic animal ownership requires not only a willingness to care for unusual animals, but an understanding of the laws that restrict what kind of wildlife is allowed in particular states.

Laws vary widely across the country, but all are shaped with the intent of protecting public health and safety—both human and non-human—from animals considered to be inherently dangerous.

Banned animals range from the more obvious—lions, tigers, bears, wolves—to the obscure, such as mongooses (prohibited in Alabama) and the raccoon dog (banned only in both South Dakota and Kentucky). Some regulations appear nonsensical: In Colorado, you can own a bison, but not a hedgehog. Bummer.

Some states have exceptions or require owners to obtain permits for particular animals, while a handful of states have no specific requirements for owning wild animals as pets. Many states are clear about the penalties for illegally owning exotic pets, which can range from fees to criminal charges.

Because the patchwork regulation of exotic animals is left to states, some organizations, including The Humane Society of the United States, advocate for federal, standardized legislation that would ban owning large cats, bears, primates, and large dangerous snakes as pets.

Read on to see what pets are banned in your home state, as well as across the nation.

In Alabama, the following species are banned: the mongoose, jackrabbit, moose, deer, elk, fox, walking catfish, piranha, raccoons from outside of the state, wild rabbits or hare, coyote, skunk and wild turkey, among others. Alabama also explicitly prohibits the release of any turkey, wild or tame, as well as nutria (a species of large, aquatic rodent). Residents cannot own any protected wild bird or animal, except by written permission of a designated employee of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources authorized to issue such permits.

Alaska is one of many states that regulate exotic animal ownership through permits. Bears, monkeys, wolves, and live game animals are banned. Alaska will not issue permits for the “capture, possession, import, or export of any game animal” for use as a pet. But some animals can be owned as pets, like reindeer, llamas and one-humped camels (dromedaries) as long as they aren’t released into the wild. Some species, however, can be temporarily released for the purpose of hunting or falcon training.

If you own six or more bobcats, you’re out of luck in Arkansas. The specific amount of that species, as well as lions, tigers, bears, rabbits, quails, apes, baboons and macaques are prohibited. Under certain conditions, however, wolves are allowed. People can legally own large carnivores only if they had the animal on or before the date the regulation went into effect—and even then, they must meet other requirements, including annually securing a permit for personal possession.

Wolverine, bighorn sheep and shrews are some of the more unusual animals banned in the Golden State. California law calls out specific wild species that “pose a threat to native wildlife, the agriculture interests of the state or to public health or safety.”

Colorado law notes that there is “growing interest in the private possession of live wildlife” but also “considerable confusion over the laws regarding such private possession.” The state generally bans owning any species of wildlife native to Colorado, as well as exotic animals. There are some exceptions, however. You can own up to six live native reptiles or amphibians as pets except for specifically banned species, and falcons, hawks, and eagles are allowed for falconry purposes.

Connecticut considers the following animals to be dangerous and as such, are prohibited: the lion, leopard, cheetah, jaguar, ocelot, jaguarundi cat, puma, lynx, bobcat, wolf, coyote and any species of bear. Those who are found in violation of the law face a fine of up to $100 for each offense.

Delaware residents cannot own wildlife not native to or generally found in Delaware without a special permit. Non-native poisonous snakes are also specifically banned. Those who break the law face a fine of up to $500 and/or a prison sentence up to 30 days.

In 2011, a Florida woman and her boyfriend were sentenced to 12 years in prison after their Burmese python escaped from its cage and strangled the woman’s 2-year-old daughter to death. Venomous reptiles, as well as crocodiles, chimpanzees, tigers, lions, jaguars, and leopards are banned in the state. Some wild animals are allowed via special permit.

In Georgia, specific animals are banned unless the owner gets a wild animal license or permit, and even that rule is limited to certain groups (like those in the wholesale or retail wild animal business, those exhibiting wild animals to the public, and those using the animals for scientific or educational purposes). Animals including kangaroos, monkeys, foxes, wolves, crocodiles, alligators, and cobras are considered “inherently dangerous” to humans under state law.

Hawaii explicitly bans the “uncontrolled” introduction of exotic animals, which present “serious danger to the agricultural, horticultural, and aquacultural industries, natural resources, and environment of Hawaii.” The law allows for an ad hoc panel made up of at least three people with expertise in vertebrate biology to determine if an animal should be added to the banned list.

Idaho law prohibits any non-native animal that is determined to be “dangerous to the environment, livestock, agriculture, or wildlife of the state.” People can only own exotic animals with special permits. “Deleterious” animals include deer, wolves, cheetahs, jaguars, lions, tigers, sheep and the European hedgehog (American hedgehogs welcome!) among others.

Illinois prohibits the ownership of designated “dangerous” animals with the exception of zoos, federally licensed exhibits, circuses, scientific or educational institutions, research laboratories, veterinary hospitals or animal refuges. The following animals are considered dangerous under state law: lion, tiger, leopard, ocelot, jaguar, cheetah, margay, mountain lion, lynx, bobcat, jaguarundi, bear, hyena, wolf, coyote and any poisonous or life-threatening reptile. Violations of this law can result in a misdemeanor charge.

Without permits, people in Indiana cannot own the following: foxes, raccoons, skunks, wolves, bears, wild cats, venomous reptiles and crocodiles. The permits cost $10 each. If an “emergency exists,” including if the animal is in the position to harm another animal, the permit can be suspended.

A cautionary tale for exotic animal owners: Last summer in Iowa, a 2-year-old girl was attacked by a pet wolf, sustaining injuries to her arm and hand. The wolf was later euthanized. Other prohibited animals include hyenas, leopards, bears, primates, crocodiles, cobras and pythons. Those who own legal exotic animals in Iowa are subject to annual registration fees; a pet elephant, for example, will set you back $500 each year.

In the state of Louisiana, certain “potentially dangerous” quadrupeds, big exotic cats and non-human primates are considered to pose “significant hazards to public safety and health” and are deemed “detrimental to the welfare of the animals, and may have negative impacts on conservation and recovery of some threatened and endangered species.” The law warns that the “size and strength of such animals in concert with their natural and unpredictable and/or predatory nature can result in severe injury or death when an attack upon a human occurs.” Bears, wolves, non-human primates and large exotic cats are not allowed—but with a permit, you can own a wolf/dog hybrid or venomous snake.

In Maine, a permit is required to own most wild birds or animals. Several species are not allowed, however: bear, moose, wild turkey, deer, lion, cheetah, wolf, monkey, camel, alligator, monk parakeet and swan. But the emu, domestic ferret, sugar glider and chinchilla are allowed without a permit.

Maryland prohibits the ownership of foxes, bears, alligators, tigers, leopards, wolves, monkeys, certain venomous snakes and skunks. Consequences for violating the law are more severe here, where it’s considered a misdemeanor; if convicted, you are subject to up to a $1,000 fine.

In Massachusetts, non-domesticated, non-hybrid wild animals are prohibited unless specifically exempted. State law warns that wild animals, “regardless of whether or not they are born in captivity, often revert to their wild nature when sexually mature and can do considerable harm to persons.” There are five classes of special licenses available to own some exotic animals.

Michigan prohibits tigers, leopards, cheetahs, lions, cougars, bears and wolf/dog hybrids. Several provisions are devoted to the regulation of wolf-dogs in memory of Angie Nickerson, a 5-year-old who was killed by the animal in 1989. Her mother advocated for the passage of legislation to prevent future deaths by wolf-dogs and other potentially dangerous animals.

Minnesota has a designated list of “regulated animals” that are not allowed, including lions, tigers, cougars, leopards, cheetahs, ocelots, servals, bears, and non-human primates. Those who qualify for exemption to own a regulated animal must have registered the animal by March 2, 2005. A person who knowingly violates this law in Minnesota can be charged with a misdemeanor; if an animal causes bodily harm, the owner can also face a prison sentence of up to 90 days and/or a payment of a fine of up to $1,000.

Mississippi residents must obtain permits to own certain exotic animals considered to be dangerous. Before the permit is issued, the applicant must provide proof of liability insurance—$100,000 for each wild animal, up to a maximum of $1 million. Public zoos, university research facilities, governmental agencies, transient circuses and rehabilitation or sanctuary facilities may be exempted from having a permit if the exemption is approved by a commission.

In Missouri, owners of “dangerous” wild animals, including lions, wolves or poisonous reptiles, must register their pets with their local law enforcement agency. Those who break the law face a misdemeanor charge.

Missouri

BirdPhotos.com // Wikimedia Commons Banned Pets: Ape, bat, gibbon, raccoon, skunk, alligator; more than one large bear or large cat without permit

Montana prohibits the ownership of apes, bats, gibbons, raccoons, skunks, and alligators. Keeping more than one bear, large cat, or a hybrid of a wild animal is also banned without a permit. Permit and health certificates are required to bring certain animals into the state.

Montana

Public Domain Pictures Banned Pets: Bear, tiger, leopard, wolf, skunk

Special permits are required for exotic animal ownership in Nebraska, but some animals are still not allowed (bears, tigers, leopards, wolves, and skunks).

Like many other states, bears, tigers, leopards, monkeys, apes, wolves, poisonous reptiles, and monkeys are banned in New Hampshire. Permits are required for some but not all species—if you own a chinchilla, ferret, llama, sugar glider, camel or bison, you’re in the clear.

More unusual animals banned in New Jersey include vipers, ring-necked parakeets, and gila monsters (a species of venomous lizard native to the southwestern United States). Owners of these and other prohibited “potentially dangerous” animals must have “extensive experience in maintaining” the animal, submit a written statement of purpose for ownership, and meet other requirements in order to obtain a permit.

If you’re interested in a marsupial or other exotic mammal, New York may be your place. The sugar glider, wallaby, kangaroo, capybara, and porcupine are allowed sans permit in the state. But you’ll need a permit for certain other wild animals, including wolves, coyotes, foxes, skunks and raccoons.

In North Carolina, counties and cities can by ordinance regulate, restrict, or prohibit the possession of dangerous animals. Unique bans in the state include the ringtail, a mammal of the raccoon family, and the marten, a small carnivorous mammal that’s a member of the Mustelidae family. Permits to own these and other banned animals are only given to research institutes, or for public display or organized entertainment as in zoos or circuses.

North Carolina

Pixabay Banned Pets: Skunk, raccoon, venomous reptile

In North Dakota, licenses are required for animals that are “indistinguishable from wild, indigenous species or present a health ris

k to wild and domestic species” and those that are considered inherently or environmentally dangerous, the law states. A “nontraditional livestock advisory council” is in place to review special license applications.

The state of Ohio views hippopotami, Komodo dragons and howler monkeys, among other animals, as dangerous. Snakes that are 12 feet or longer are also prohibited. Permits are required for certain situations, including exempted dangerous animals.

It’s illegal to own wildlife without a license in Oklahoma. Permits are available for $48. If convicted of breaking this law, you face a fine of no less than $100 and the revoking of your wildlife license, if you have one.

Oregon residents must obtain a permit from the State Department of Agriculture to own exotic animals—although exemptions are in place for unique situations, like for disabled persons who have service monkeys. The state issues a certain number of permits; in 2011, the Associated Press reported that the state would not issue any new ones until the current population of permitted animals thins out over the course of time.

Oregon

Kiza.eu Banned Pets: Tiger, lion, monkey, crocodile, leopard

Those who want to have exotic animals as pets in Pennsylvania must get a permit from the state wildlife commission. It is illegal to “fail to exercise due care in safeguarding the public from attack by exotic wildlife,” with penalties including fines.

To protect the safety of the people of Rhode Island against both physical harm and disease hazards, a permit is required to own wild animals. If a legally owned wild animal poses a threat to public safety in some way, law enforcement can confiscate it.

Until this year, South Carolina was one of five states across the country with no restrictions on owning wild animals. On Jan. 1, 2018, a new law made it illegal to own large cats, apes, or non-native bears. Wolves, coyotes, peccaries (certain species related to pigs), bison, mountain goats, mountain sheep, bears, turkeys and furbearers are also banned.

South Carolina

Pixabay Banned Pets: Non-domestic pig, raccoon dog

Non-domestic pigs and raccoon dogs are specifically prohibited in South Dakota. Permits are necessary to own any kind of non-domestic mammals. All animals are subject to a veterinarian exam and must be free of any contagious, infectious, epidemic, or communicable disease.

In Tennessee, five different classes of animals come with different requirements. Native species can only be possessed by zoos and temporary exhibitors, while residents can own animals such as rabbits, chinchillas, and llamas without a permit.

Texas requires a certificate of registration to own what it considers dangerous wild animals. If an animal attacks a human, the owner must notify the registration agency within 48 hours—and if it escapes, immediately.

Texas

Max Pixel Banned Pets: Cheetah, monkey, ape, gorilla, kangaroo, lemur

Utah residents are required to obtain a registration certificate to own certain “controlled” species, while other animals are specifically prohibited. If you’re a reptile enthusiast, you should know that it’s legal to own a desert night lizard with a permit, but the Glen Canyon chuckwalla (a relative of the iguana) is banned.

In Virginia, it’s illegal to own non-native exotic animals that are considered predatory or undesirable as a pet. According to the state, non-native exotic animals include, but are not limited to: bears, wolves, coyotes, weasels, badgers, hyenas, all species of non-domesticated cats, alligators, and crocodiles.

Typical animals considered to be potentially dangerous across the country are also banned in Washington: bears, certain types of snakes, and the like. People who owned banned animals before the law took effect were allowed to keep their animals until they pass.

West Virginia’s exotic animals law aims to protect not only humans and domesticated animals from potential harm, but also to prevent the “mistreatment” of wild animals themselves. People can apply for permits to own animals considered to be potentially dangerous; those who break the law face a misdemeanor charge and a fee of up to $2,000 for each prohibited animal.

West Virginia

Pixabay Banned Pets: Cougar, black bear, raccoon, bobcat

It’s illegal to own a wild animal in Wisconsin without a license, with some exemptions. Permits are not required to own chipmunks, rats, squirrels, weasels, and pocket gophers, among other species.